Woodrow Wilson(2000)

Wayne KoestenbaumKaren Armstrong

In this portrait of Woodrow Wilson, Auchincloss examines the president who is perhaps better remembered for the force of his personality than for his accomplishments. A man of enormous energy but plagued by ill health, an admirer of the parliamentary system whose contentious relationship with Congress led to the crushing defeat of his cherished League of Nations, Wilson remains a fascinating enigma. We will always be left to ponder the extent to which his character shaped our century's history.
This study sheds new light on Wilson's upbringing and career, from the grim determination that enabled him to overcome dyslexia to his skillful dance of isolationism and intervention in World War I. From the dynamic figure whose ringing speeches hypnotized vast crowds, to the gentle voice reading poetry to his children, to the rising academic and president of Princeton who made the giant leap into politics.